Mayor welcomes Crossrail “milestone”

Boris Johnson has welcomed an “important milestone” in the delivery of Crossrail after manufacturers Bombardier completed the construction of the first of almost 600 carriages for the new rail link’s train fleet.

The carriage, which was built at Bombardier’s plant in Derby, will be used to refine production techniques before work commences on the full run of 66 trains.

Each train will measure more than 200m long and have space for up to 1,500 passengers who will board and alight through three double doors on each side of the carriages.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: “The first test train carriage to roll off the assembly line in Derby is a fantastic visual reminder of how close we are to seeing a new railway line up and running in the Capital.

“It also shows how this amazing construction project is supporting jobs and apprenticeships not only in London but across the UK.”